How to froth milk correctly

Understanding the art of frothing milk

Frothing milk may seem like a simple task, but it's much more than just shaking a pitcher of hot milk. It's actually a delicate balance of science and art that requires precision and practice. To froth milk properly, you need to control two key elements: temperature and air incorporation.

The SCA recommends heating milk to 55–65°C, with a maximum temperature of 70°C and a minimum of 50°C. Above this temperature, the milk sugar begins to break down, which can lead to a burnt taste. Below this temperature, the milk will not froth properly. So make sure you have a kitchen thermometer handy to get the temperature right.

The process of frothing milk

The process of frothing milk involves introducing air into the milk as it's heated. This air, introduced as tiny bubbles, is what gives frothed milk its smooth, velvety texture. To do this, you'll need a milk frother and an espresso machine with a steam wand.

Start by pouring the cold milk into the pitcher. The amount of milk you need will depend on the size of your cup and how much foam you want. Place the steam wand in the milk, just below the surface, and turn on the steam. You should hear a sizzling sound. This is the sound of air being drawn into the milk. When the pitcher is warm enough to the touch, lower the wand further to heat the milk without introducing more air. The result should be frothy milk with a smooth, creamy texture.

Step-by-step instructions for frothing milk correctly

Now that you have the technique ready, follow these steps to froth your milk correctly:

Step 1:

We filled the milk jug up to the top.

Step 2:

We purged the vaporizer to remove excess water

Step 3:

We insert the steam wand approximately 1 centimeter into the milk

Step 4:

We lower the steam wand and create a swirl in the milk. Once we've incorporated the desired amount of steam, we insert the wand into the bottom of the jug and wait for the milk to heat to the correct temperature.

Step 5:

Once we remove our jug from the steamer, we will clean the lance and steam it to expel any remaining milk.

And now your milk is ready for lattes! It should have a shiny, bubble-free texture.

COFFEES THAT BEST PAIR WITH MILK

If it's still not clear, here's a video explaining how to froth milk correctly: